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Inspired? Would you like to see your name on this website and your book up on those bookshop shelves? This is where we bring you a round up of writing tips, ideas and hints. | How To Write For Magazines |
| by Paula Gardner Approaching editors with article ideas is scary, but there are ways to rsied your chances of success... 1. Think about which publications you'll be targeting. Many of the people who sign up for my writing article ecourse say they want to write for Pyschologies, GQ or Sunday Times but, to be frank, unless they're already high profile or have a background in journalism already, that is unlikely to happen. You are better off striking at smaller publications and building up to the higher circulation ones as you go. 2. Check who makes the decisions on editorial and commissioning. Look at the masthead for names like features Ed or commissioning editor. 3. Never send out a completed article - talk the idea through first or send a synopsis. 4. Unlike press releases which can go out en masse, only approach one publication at once and move onto the next one when you've got their answer. 5. Build up a portfolio of work, even if it's just links to articles on the internet, that you can show them. 6. Can't write but you still have lots of ideas and knowledge that you know would make good reading? Get a ghost-writer and get them to craft your articles for you. 7. Take the time to make your synopsis the best it can be - this is the thing that will sell your article for you. 8. Think about what the publication will want. For example, do they tend to feature celebrities a lot? If so alluding to them in your piece is more likely to sit well with that title, Are they a serious journal that includes facts, figures and in depth references to sources. If so, make sure that you've got everything you need to stand up to scrutiny. 9. Make sure there's a good reason for you to write the piece (i.e. your research or contacts) that stops the editor from nabbing your idea and giving it to a staff member to write up - believe me, it does happen. 10. If you do get commissioned make sure you ask about deadlines, no. of words etc and deliver well on time. This is the time to build up a reputation as a reliable professional. Chicklit's Earn a Living Writing magazine Features course covers how to write articles for magazines, going into full detail on how to put together a killer synopsis, approach editors, as well as the practical side fo writing great articles that sell. There's plenty of feedback, exercises and help from me too! You can read more and book online here. |
| Posted: 07/07/2008 20:44:51 Last Updated: 07/07/2008 20:49:02 |
Chick Lit > Writing Tips :: How To Write For Magazines